Etrian Odyssey 4 for 3DS confirmed for North America

Good news, RPG fans: Etrian Odyssey 4 is coming to North America in early 2013.

Atlus announced today its plans to publish Etrian Odyssey 4: Legends of the Titan for Nintendo 3DS — a game many were concerned might not make it to U.S. shores. It will cost $39.99 at release.

The game takes advantage of the handheld's capabilities, with an improved graphics engine (with polygonal enemies) and special 3D effects. A Casual mode lessens the difficulty for newcomers, and players can create and modify their characters and customize their party, as well.

"The wondrous music of Yuzo Koshiro is back, fully orchestrated and as epic as ever," said Aram Jabbari, the manager of public relations and sales at Index Digital Media, in a statement to the press. "At the risk of sounding oxymoronic, we're proud to bring our fans the newest, most exciting old school computer-RPG throwback yet!"

In the game, you play as an explorer who seeks the tree Yggdrasil, which holds centuries' old secrets and looms far from the city Tharsis.